The Government is moving to return key municipal services to local councils, as part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving service delivery and accountability.
Minister for Local Government and Housing Maciu Nalumisa said efforts were underway through Cabinet to shift responsibilities such as drain, footpath and streetlight maintenance back to municipalities.
“When this is brought back to the municipalities, the council will take responsibility and ownership, to the clearing of drains, come heavy downpour, we won’t be having blocked drains around our municipalities.”
Mr Nalumisa said those services currently fell under the Fiji Roads Authority, but councils were better placed to respond to public concerns.
“When rate payers complain, they come to the council and complain, these are some of the reforms that we are doing right now.”
Responding to questions on resourcing, he acknowledged financial pressures but highlighted ongoing support.
“At the moment we are getting subsidies from government, the rate payers do foot the bill of collection of rubbish.
“We now also have (JICA) Japan International Cooperation Agency, coming on board, assisting the Ministry of Local Government, as well as councils in the provision of some of the equipment’s, as well as Garbage compacted trucks.”
